How to Give a Gift Certificate

You need to buy a gift for an upcoming event, but you can't decide what to buy, or perhaps the recipient is particularly tough to shop for. The solution is simple: a gift certificate chosen specifically for the guest of honor.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift Bows
• Gift Bags
• Electronic Greeting Cards
• Gift Certificates
• Wrapping Paper
• Greeting Cards
• Tissue paper
• Gift Ribbons

1. Decide on the amount you would like to spend. The beauty of a gift certificate is that there's little danger of going over your budget.

2. Investigate your friend or loved one's tastes. Does he or she have a favorite store? A favorite activity? Retail establishments that offer gift certificates include department stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores, garden centers and housewares stores.

3. Consider a service-oriented gift certificate for a facial or for a visit to a day spa (for women or men). This is the perfect gift for your overworked friends who hate to shop.

4. Call the store or spa in advance to make certain it offers gift certificates. If you're shopping for someone long-distance, make sure the store has a branch in the recipient's town.

5. Buy a large greeting card in which to put the gift certificate. Humorous cards are usually appreciated.

6. Wrap the card with glitzy gift wrap and a bow.

Tips & Warnings

• Can't afford the DVD player that your friend has been eyeing? Assemble a group together to give a group certificate. Along with the certificate, place a magazine advertisement for a DVD player in the envelope.
• An easy-to-mail gift certificate can minimize your holiday angst - especially in December. While you're at it, why not buy a few extra certificates to keep on hand for future gift-giving occasions?
• Online gift certificates are also an excellent option, especially if the event is rapidly approaching. You don't have to leave the office - and neither does your recipient!
• A gift certificate can seem like an impersonal gift. If you're shopping for your significant other, your mother's 60th birthday, or your best friend's wedding shower, try to put more time and thought into your present.

[psaysofavril]

on 7/10/2008 This is a good article. I'm always happy to receive a gift certificate as a present. I love the idea about adding a small gift with it, psychonurse!

[psychonurse]

on 7/10/2008 I LOVE to receive gift certificates, and when I give one, I add a small, but related gift. With a day spa, I always wrap cetificate with a nice shower gel or fancy bar of soap, with a piece of jewlry, some jewlry cleaner.

[BlueOx]

on 7/10/2008 This is my favorite gift to give. No fuss. No worries about whether they already have it or what they will think about it. Just give the gift certificate and let them get what they want.

[LAURA7088]

on 7/9/2008 Very good suggestions!

[changeling]

on 7/9/2008 Excellent ideas. Thanks